Managing Director of Water Policy

Company: OHIO ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL
Location: Columbus
Posted on: May 20, 2025

Job Description:

The Ohio Environmental Council seeks a full-time Managing Director of Water Policy to oversee and implement our policy work in pursuit of clean water for Ohioans. The Managing Director of Water Policy will serve as the organization's lead expert on laws, regulations, needs, and barriers to provide safe, affordable drinking water to all Ohioans alongside robust protections for Ohio's two major watersheds: Lake Erie and the Ohio River. They will advocate for the passage and implementation of strong policies through partnerships, campaign coordination, media work, and lobbying.This role will be directly responsible for coaching and developing the Water Team which includes the Drinking Water Manager/Events Organizer and the Agriculture and Water Manager. The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader and a strategic thinker who can grasp onto broad, ambitious goals and motivate a team to deliver on them. They will foster relationships with community leaders, public utilities, decision-makers, businesses, and the water advocacy community. They will be creative about seizing new opportunities for growth that align with the organization's larger strategic plan and they will be a persistent, reliable teammate.Job ResponsibilitiesReporting to the Vice President of Programs, the Managing Director of Water Policy will:

• Supervise staff, ensuring execution of individual work plans and removing barriers to success.
• Provide policy analysis to support the Vice President of Programs and other programmatic staff in educating local, state and federal elected officials on water policy.
• Demonstrate thought leadership in the state and national movement for affordable and clean water by developing cutting-edge, well-researched, and pragmatic solutions to improve water policy in Ohio through a lens of justice and equity.
• Support water team members in identifying solutions to surface and drinking water issues, including harmful algal blooms, wetland and waterway protection, threats to safe drinking water, and water access and affordability issues.
• Research issues, write policy initiatives, and provide expert opinions related to Ohio's major watersheds: the Ohio River and Lake Erie.
• Develop, execute, and coordinate initiatives, strategies, and tactics to advance the water policies outlined in the OEC's strategic plan.
• Work with legal, advocacy, campaigns, and communications staff along with partners, media, and water advocates on a range of effective tactics.
• Work with the OEC Action Fund to advance water-related legislation and promote water champions at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Raise the profile of the organization in water policy coalitions, including communicating with funders, building new partnerships, and participating in forums and conferences.
• Fulfill organizational responsibilities including: attending board meetings; managing foundation relationships; and ensuring grant deliverables are met.
• Share our commitment to increasing racial diversity in the environmental movement and for our organization, integrating justice and equity into the work we do and contributing to an inclusive organizational culture.Qualifications
  • You have at least five to seven years of experience in advocacy, community organizing, local leadership, or government affairs. Lobbying experience is preferred.
  • You have demonstrated knowledge or expertise in the areas of water policy, water access/ water affordability, and emerging contaminants (e.g. PFAS). A demonstrated commitment to environmental justice.
  • You have a track record of success designing and delivering results on water policy, environmental justice policy or environmental-adjacent programs and plans.
  • You have the ability to engage effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders
  • You have excellent communication and public speaking skills with ability to communicate with diverse individuals across the political spectrum.
  • You have the ability to plan, track, and manage a budget successfully
  • You have effective project management skills, including prioritizing and managing multiple projects independently.
  • You have the ability to craft a vision for the future and develop a guide that enables you to get there.
  • You have strong analytical skills with an ability to interpret data and develop effective strategies.Preferred qualifications:
    • Experience in field organizing or advocacy.
    • Experience working at the intersection of equity and the environment.
    • An understanding and experience within the local and state political landscape that enables you to build relationships and advance our agenda.
    • You can be creative about building bridges with organizations from different viewpoints.
    • Experience developing relationships and building strong networks moving toward the same goal.
    • You share our commitment to ensuring an inclusive organization that is representative of all Ohioans.
    • A basic understanding of strategies for engaging with the media and reporters to amplify organizational priorities.Compensation and benefitsThe salary range for this position is $69,500-$73,000. Salary depends on experience and is competitive. Excellent benefits include health, vision, dental, and life insurance, flexible and dependent care spending accounts, generous paid time off, and employer-matched retirement fund. While this position does not require a juris doctorate, an attorney may bring skills to this position useful to the goals of the water program. Attorneys are encouraged to apply.The OEC's headquarters is in Columbus, with a satellite office in Cleveland. The location of the Managing Director of Water Policy is flexible within the State of Ohio, with a preference for one of these cities. Some travel will also be required, including occasional overnight or out-of-state travel for conferences and for meetings with partners, donors, reporters/editorial boards.About the OECThe Ohio Environmental Council and its affiliated organization, the Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund, envisions a clean, healthy Ohio where our democracy empowers all communities to thrive in harmony with the environment.
      
      The mission of the OEC is to protect the environment and health of all Ohio communities through legal and policy advocacy, decision-maker accountability, and civic engagement. For nearly 10 years, the OEC Action Fund has built the political power of Ohio's environmental movement. Visit the OEC Action Fund's website to learn more about our work.
      
      The OEC seeks to hire staff and contractors that reflect the communities and perspectives that comprise Ohio. The OEC is an equal opportunity employer, and candidates of all backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply.How to ApplySend your cover letter, resume, writing sample, and references to careers@theOEC.org with "Managing Director of Water Policy" in the subject line. Applications received prior to May 16, 2025 will receive priority consideration.
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Keywords: OHIO ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL, Elyria , Managing Director of Water Policy, Executive , Columbus, Ohio